scholarly journals Lung Cancers: Molecular Characterization, Clonal Heterogeneity and Evolution, and Cancer Stem Cells

Cancers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugo Testa ◽  
Germana Castelli ◽  
Elvira Pelosi

Lung cancer causes the largest number of cancer-related deaths in the world. Most (85%) of lung cancers are classified as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (15%) (SCLC). The 5-year survival rate for NSCLC patients remains very low (about 16% at 5 years). The two predominant NSCLC histological phenotypes are adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (LSQCC). ADCs display several recurrent genetic alterations, including: KRAS, BRAF and EGFR mutations; recurrent mutations and amplifications of several oncogenes, including ERBB2, MET, FGFR1 and FGFR2; fusion oncogenes involving ALK, ROS1, Neuregulin1 (NRG1) and RET. In LSQCC recurrent mutations of TP53, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, DDR2 and genes of the PI3K pathway have been detected, quantitative gene abnormalities of PTEN and CDKN2A. Developments in the characterization of lung cancer molecular abnormalities provided a strong rationale for new therapeutic options and for understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance. However, the complexity of lung cancer genomes is particularly high, as shown by deep-sequencing studies supporting the heterogeneity of lung tumors at cellular level, with sub-clones exhibiting different combinations of mutations. Molecular studies performed on lung tumors during treatment have shown the phenomenon of clonal evolution, thus supporting the occurrence of a temporal tumor heterogeneity.

2000 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos D. Katsetos ◽  
George Kontogeorgos ◽  
Jennian F. Geddes ◽  
Mary M. Herman ◽  
Hera Tsimara-Papastamatiou ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective.—To study the immunoreactivity profile of the neuron-associated class III β-tubulin isotype (β III) in epithelial lung tumors. Design.—One hundred four formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary and metastatic lung cancer specimens were immunostained with an anti–β III mouse monoclonal antibody (TuJ1) and an anti–β III affinity-purified rabbit antiserum. Paraffin sections from fetal, infantile, and adult nonneoplastic lung tissues were also examined. Results.—In the fetal airway epithelium, β III staining is detected transiently in rare Kulchitsky-like cells from lung tissues corresponding to the pseudoglandular and canalicular but not the saccular or alveolar stages of development. β III is absent in healthy, hyperplastic, metaplastic, and dysplastic airway epithelium of the adult lung. In contrast, β III is highly expressed in small cell lung cancer, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and in some non–small cell lung cancers, particularly adenocarcinomas. There is no correlation between expression of β III and generic neuroendocrine markers, such as chromogranin A and/or synaptophysin, in pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Also, focal β III staining is present in primary and metastatic adenocarcinomas (to the lung) originating in the colon, prostate, and ovary. β III is expressed to a much lesser extent in atypical carcinoids and is rarely detectable in typical carcinoids and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. The distribution of β III in small cell lung cancer and adenocarcinoma metastases to regional lymph nodes and brain approaches 100% of tumor cells, which is substantially greater than in the primary tumors. Conclusions.—In the context of neuroendocrine lung tumors, β III immunoreactivity is a molecular signature of high-grade malignant neoplasms (small cell lung cancer and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma) although its importance in atypical carcinoids must be evaluated further. In addition, β III may be a useful diagnostic marker in distinguishing between small cell lung cancers and certain non–small cell lung cancers (poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas), especially in small biopsy specimens. To our knowledge, β III is the only tumor biomarker that exhibits a substantially more widespread distribution in poorly differentiated than in better differentiated pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors. However, the significance of β III phenotypes in non–small cell lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, with respect to neuroendocrine differentiation and prognostic value, requires further evaluation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Adrien Costantini ◽  
Theodoros Katsikas ◽  
Clementine Bostantzoglou

Over the past decade, major breakthroughs in the understanding of lung cancer histology and mutational pathways have radically changed diagnosis and management. More specifically, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumour characterisation has shifted from differentiating based solely on histology to characterisation that includes genetic profiling and mutational status of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR), Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) and BRAF. These genetic alterations can be targeted by specific drugs that result in improved progression-free survival, as well as higher response rates and are currently standard of care for NSCLC patients harbouring these mutations. In this a narrative, non-systematic review we aim to handpick through the extensive literature and critically present the ground-breaking studies that lead to the institution of tailored treatment options as the standard of care for the main targetable genetic alterations.


Author(s):  
Sajad Khan ◽  
Shahid Ali ◽  
Muhammad

Background:Lung cancers or (Bronchogenic-Carcinomas) are the disease in certain parts of the lungs in which irresistible multiplication of abnormal cells leads to the inception of a tumor. Lung cancers consisting of two substantial forms based on the microscopic appearance of tumor cells are: Non-Small-Cell-Lung-Cancer (NSCLC) (80 to 85%) and Small-Cell-Lung-Cancer (SCLC) (15 to 20%).Discussion:Lung cancers are existing luxuriantly across the globe and the most prominent cause of death in advanced countries (USA & UK). There are many causes of lung cancers in which the utmost imperative aspect is the cigarette smoking. During the early stage, there is no perspicuous sign/symptoms but later many symptoms emerge in the infected individual such as insomnia, headache, pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, coughing etc. Lung cancers can be diagnosed in many ways, such as history, physical examination, chest X-rays and biopsy. However, after the diagnosis and confirmation of lung carcinoma, various treatment approaches are existing for curing of cancer in different stages such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immune therapy. Currently, novel techniques merged that revealed advancements in detection and curing of lung cancer in which mainly includes: microarray analysis, gene expression profiling.Conclusion:Consequently, the purpose of the current analysis is to specify and epitomize the novel literature pertaining to the development of cancerous cells in different parts of the lung, various preeminent approaches of prevention, efficient diagnostic procedure, and treatments along with novel technologies for inhibition of cancerous cell growth in advance stages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 030006052110165
Author(s):  
Naiwang Tang ◽  
Bin Hu ◽  
Yin Zhang ◽  
Zhiwei Chen ◽  
Ronghuan Yu

Background Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 15% to 20% of all lung cancers, and it is the leading cause of tumor-related deaths globally. This study explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of SCLC. Methods The correlations of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDPK1), p-Akt, and Hedgehog expression with patient characteristics were analyzed using SCLC specimens, and their expression was measured in BEAS-2B cells (control) and the SCLC cell lines H82, H69, H446, H146, and H526. Transfection experiments were performed to inhibit or activate gene expression in cells. We then measured the proliferation and migration of H146 cells. Results PDPK1, p-Akt, and Hedgehog expression was significantly higher in SCLC tissues, and their expression was correlated with patient characteristics. p-Akt expression was significantly correlated with Hedgehog expression. In H146 cells, PDPK1 and p-Akt were significantly upregulated. Silencing of PDPK1 or Akt and inhibition of Hedgehog significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of H146 cells. PDPK1 and Akt affected Hedgehog expression, but Hedgehog did not affect PDPK1 or p-Akt expression. Conclusions The interaction between the PDPK1–Akt pathway and the Hedgehog pathway influences the prognosis, growth, and migration of SCLC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 59-59
Author(s):  
Woojung Lee ◽  
Scott Spencer ◽  
Josh John Carlson ◽  
Tam Dinh ◽  
Victoria Dayer ◽  
...  

59 Background: The use of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in cancer patients could lead to additional enrollment in clinical trials that study novel genetic biomarkers, potentially reducing treatment costs for payers and improving health outcomes for patients. Our objective was to estimate the number of additional clinical trials in which patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could potentially enroll due to the use of CGP vs. a comparator panel of 50 genes or less. Methods: Clinical trials in NSCLC that started between 2015 - 2020 were identified from the Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT) database. Trials with unknown status or study sites outside the United States only were excluded. We abstracted information on required genetic alterations based on the study eligibility criteria. We calculated the incremental number of trials available to patients due to results generated by CGP (FoundationOne CDx, 324 genes) vs. a commercially available comparator panel that was 50 genes or less (Oncomine Dx Target Test, 23 genes) by phase and calendar year. The additional trials were characterized by disease severity, type of therapy, and setting. Results: Enrollment eligibility was dependent on genetic variant status in 35% (250/709) of all identified NSCLC trials. There were 29 (248 vs. 219) additional clinical trials available to patients through the use of CGP, 12% of all gene-specific trials for NSCLC. We identified 45 uses of genetic markers in the 29 additional clinical trials. The most frequent genetic marker in the incremental trials was microsatellite instability, accounting for 44% of all identified markers (20/45). The incremental number of trials available to patients due to the use of CGP did not vary significantly over time but varied by phase – most of the additional clinical trials were in phase 1 or 2 (28/29, 97%). Most of the incremental trials were in metastatic disease (22/29, 76%) and were conducted in academic or advanced community settings (18/29, 62%). The most frequently studied type of intervention in these studies was targeted monotherapy (8/29, 28%), followed by immuno-monotherapy (7/29, 24%). Conclusions: Clinical trials in NSCLC initiated over the past 5 years have consistently included CGP-specific genes or markers in eligibility criteria. Patients with NSCLC have the potential to benefit from the use of CGP as compared to smaller gene panels through improved access to clinical trials.[Table: see text]


MedChemComm ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1914-1918
Author(s):  
Lian-Xiang Luo ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Yu-Zhen Niu ◽  
Yu-Wei Wang ◽  
Qian-Qian Wang ◽  
...  

Herein, we reported 5067-0952, a potent ALK inhibitor with pharmacological efficacy in non-small cell lung cancers harboring the ALK fusion oncogene.


Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1160-1167
Author(s):  
Xing Chai ◽  
Xinru Zhang ◽  
Wenqian Li ◽  
Jin Chai

Abstract Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two major histological categories of lung cancers. Drug resistance is a great challenge for cancer treatment, and histological transformation from NSCLC to SCLC is one of the mechanisms underlying drug resistance in NSCLC patients. SCLC-transformed patients show combined characteristics of NSCLC and SCLC; however, they lack timely diagnoses and effective treatment strategies. Thus, we reviewed the clinical characteristics of SCLC transformation patients with a literature search to enhance clinical consciousness, diagnosis, and personalized treatment for patients with it.


Cancers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Miura ◽  
Noriaki Sunaga

The clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to dramatic changes in the treatment strategy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the observation of improved overall survival in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, their efficacy varies greatly among different immune and molecular profiles in tumors. Particularly, the clinical significance of ICIs for oncogene-driven NSCLC has been controversial. In this review, we provide recent clinical and preclinical data focused on the relationship between oncogenic drivers and immunological characteristics and discuss the future direction of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients harboring such genetic alterations


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyothi Dhuguru ◽  
Rachid Skouta

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide, affecting millions of people. Between the two types of lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common than small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Besides surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy is the most important method of treatment for lung cancer. Indole scaffold is considered one of the most privileged scaffolds in heterocyclic chemistry. Indole may serve as an effective probe for the development of new drug candidates against challenging diseases, including lung cancer. In this review, we will focus on discussing the existing indole based pharmacophores in the clinical and pre-clinical stages of development against lung cancer, along with the synthesis of some of the selected anti-lung cancer drugs. Moreover, the basic mechanism of action underlying indole based anti-lung cancer treatment, such as protein kinase inhibition, histone deacetylase inhibition, DNA topoisomerase inhibition, and tubulin inhibition will also be discussed.


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